Practices & Cases

Commercial Arbitration

Commercial litigation plays a vital role in resolving disputes ensuring parties can seek legal recourse to protect their rights and interests. We initiate and defend cases in all divisions of the English Court system and are adept at navigating its intricacies.

We are regularly instructed to protect assets, freeze, trace, or seize assets demonstrating Belgravia Law's ability to handle complex financial matters. This expertise can be particularly valuable in cases involving fraud, insolvency or recovery of assets, where swift action is often necessary to secure or recover assets before they are dissipated.

Defending the interests of our clients, whether they are individuals or businesses, is our primary objective. Belgravia Law's approach to combining local and international litigation experience with strategic and commercial advice enables us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Dealing with such disputes requires a deep understanding of conflict of laws issues, anti-suit injunctions, jurisdictional disputes and governing law disputes. By navigating these complexities, Belgravia Law provides valuable guidance to our clients ensuring their interests are protected across multiple legal systems.

Selected cases

Representing an international energy concern in ICC arbitration against an American engineering company. The engineering company pleads breach of contract relying on force majeure provisions.

Representing a global mineral fertiliser producer in ad hoc arbitration concerning a charter party agreement and delivery of goods. Progressing claims in damages and loss of profit.

Representing the Claimant in a HKIAC arbitration in relation to the sale and purchase of a glass manufacturing business in relation to suspected misappropriation of funds during the sale process.

Representing a global steel concern in an LMAA arbitration concerning the non-delivery of raw materials.

Acting for a metallurgical plant in an LCIA arbitration defending alleged non-acceptance of iron-ore pellets.

Acting for airlines in claims under aircraft leases in three LCIA arbitrations.

Acting for the Respondent in a EUR 200 million LCIA arbitration in the energy sector, defending a series of contractual and tortious claims.

LCIA Arbitration for BVI entities involved in a dispute over a Cypriot joint venture regarding a substantial mining operation.

Investment Arbitration

Belgravia Law is regularly instructed by both sovereigns and private entities in arbitrations brought pursuant to international treaties for the encouragement and protection of foreign investors. Our conflict-free approach allows us to accept instructions from a wide range of clients across geography and industries.

Our team has accumulated significant experience representing and advising sovereigns from various regions including Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa on various aspects related to investment disputes.

Our sectoral experience includes energy, oil & gas, telecom, finance and agriculture. We have developed a genuine understanding of the subtleties of representing sovereign clients and strive to provide them the utmost comfort and confidence.

Selected cases

Representing an African State in an ICSID arbitration relating to a multi-billion construction project.

Acting for a claimant in a commercial dispute against an African State under ICC Rules.

Representing a Latin American State in an investment arbitration arising out of the alleged expropriation of concessions.

Representing a State in an ICSID arbitration relating to an investment into a strategically crucial telecommunications company.

Commercial Litigation

Commercial litigation plays a vital role in resolving disputes ensuring parties can seek legal recourse to protect their rights and interests. We initiate and defend cases in all divisions of the English Court system and are adept at navigating its intricacies.

We are regularly instructed to protect assets, freeze, trace, or seize assets demonstrating Belgravia Law's ability to handle complex financial matters. This expertise can be particularly valuable in cases involving fraud, insolvency or recovery of assets, where swift action is often necessary to secure or recover assets before they are dissipated.

Defending the interests of our clients, whether they are individuals or businesses, is our primary objective. Belgravia Law's approach to combining local and international litigation experience with strategic and commercial advice enables us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Dealing with such disputes requires a deep understanding of conflict of laws issues, anti-suit injunctions, jurisdictional disputes and governing law disputes. By navigating these complexities, Belgravia Law provides valuable guidance to our clients ensuring their interests are protected across multiple legal systems.

Selected cases

Representing the minority shareholders of a mining plc in a corporate dispute to the value of £10 billion.

Acting for a real estate developer in a High Court joint venture dispute in relation to property located abroad but subject to English jurisdiction by way of a shareholders’ agreement.

Representing the Part 20 Defendant in a shareholder dispute. The dispute involved multiple IT businesses, including one particularly well-known in the domain of mobile navigation applications. As a result of our work, the client was able to negotiate a drop hands settlement to this multi-million dollar claim for a fraction of that cost in legal fees.

Banking, Finance & Investment Disputes

Belgravia Law’s work frequently involves representing clients in disputes with banks, brokers, funds, investment advisors and wealth managers. We are able to quickly understand the intricacies of financial products and investment structures, identify claims and suitable strategies, and develop effective plans to resolve disputes and achieve the outcomes our clients want.

Our conflict-free model allows us to act against banks and other financial institutions where other law firms cannot. In the world of investment funds and managers, we advise investors, where investments have underperformed and relationships have broken down.

We are frequently instructed to resolve disputes between partners or shareholders in investment businesses. We can support and assist the difficult process of transitioning or exiting key stakeholders, with or without formal legal processes.

We frequently act for buyers and sellers of private equity investments. Claims commonly involve breaches of representations and warranties, earn outs, completion accounts, escrow and other deferred payment schemes. We also advise and assist on claims on warranty and indemnity/representations and warranty insurance.

Selected cases

Representing various businesses and individuals in disputes with investment banks and wealth management firms, in relation to refusal to execute orders, withdrawal of facilities and migration of accounts to new providers.

Providing expert opinions on English law in relation to international bondholder disputes and securities litigation.

Representing the sellers of a multinational business against the buyers in relation to claims for deferred consideration and counterclaims for breaches of warranty.

Representing banks and customers in mis-selling, securities and fraud disputes.

Cryptocurrency Disputes

Belgravia Law understands the complexities surrounding cryptocurrency disputes to provide sophisticated legal representation in this area. The emergence and widespread use of cryptocurrencies and digital assets have brought about unique legal challenges, making it crucial for clients to have access to knowledgeable and experienced legal professionals.

Belgravia Law's focus on cryptocurrency and blockchain demonstrates our commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in this rapidly evolving space.

Understanding the technologies that underpin blockchain and distributed computing networks is essential for effectively navigating cryptocurrency disputes. With a deep understanding of these technologies, Belgravia Law can provide informed and strategic advice on cryptocurrency related legal issues.

Given the decentralised nature of cryptocurrencies and the complexity of their underlying technology, disputes in this field can involve various aspects. These may include issues related to ownership, fraud, regulatory compliance, smart contracts, initial coin offerings (ICOs), security breaches and more.

Belgravia Law's expertise in this domain positions us to assist clients in addressing these complex legal matters effectively.

Selected cases

Representing a Kazakh Bitcoin mining entity in a dispute with a power producer following the illegal confiscation of Bitcoin producing servers.

Representing an IT distributor in arbitration and litigation in the UK, EU, and US against top hardware and software vendors.

Renegotiation of a 'turnkey' software implementation contract. Assessing damages caused by failure to implement the project in time.

Representing a cryptocurrency exchange in discussions with a financial regulator to ensure compliance with financial promotion requirements.

Renegotiation of a software implementation contract with a telecoms operator in the Middle East.

Matrimonial Disputes

Jurisdictional rules play a crucial role in determining which country's courts have the authority to hear a divorce case and make decisions regarding the financial aspects of divorce. Belgravia Law, as a leader in the field of divorce law, is well-versed in these complex rules.

The rules of jurisdiction vary from country to country, but they generally consider factors such as the parties' residence, nationality, location of their matrimonial home and where the marriage took place.

Once jurisdiction is established, the court in that country can address various financial issues related to the divorce, including property division, spousal support, child support and child custody matters. The court's decisions in these matters can have significant implications for the parties involved.

Belgravia Law's extensive experience in this field enables us to navigate these complex jurisdictional rules and advise our clients on how best to proceed with the resolution of their issues. We represent our clients' interests in court and negotiate settlements to achieve the best possible outcomes in terms of the financial consequences of divorce.

We are able to unravel complicated trusts, identify assets held within companies and advise on complex cross-border issues. Dealing with trusts and corporate structures can be intricate. Having specialised knowledge in these areas allows us to provide valuable insights and strategic advice to clients facing such challenges.

The firm’s collaborative approach to divorce and family issues demonstrates our commitment to finding amicable and mutually beneficial solutions whenever possible. By utilising mediation as an alternative to court proceedings, Belgravia Law promotes a more efficient and less adversarial method of resolving disputes. This approach can lead to faster resolutions, reduced costs and better outcomes for all involved.

The fact that a number of the firm's partners are accredited mediators and arbitrators further enhances Belgravia Law's capabilities in this area. Their expertise and qualifications signify their ability to effectively facilitate negotiations, mediate disputes and provide unbiased guidance to help our clients navigate the complexities of divorce and family matters.

Selected cases

Representing the husband in Supreme Court proceedings to set aside leave for an application for financial relief under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984. Despite an award of millions of dollars (equivalent) already being awarded to the wife she claimed damages of USD billions.

Representing a Cyprus manufacturing and supply company with King’s Counsel to advise on its liability under divorce proceedings in the UK based on jurisdictional issues, post-nuptial agreements and related child abduction proceedings. Value of EUR 250 million.

Representing the ex-wife of a well-known billionaire in a dispute over the family home, located in the English countryside.

Pursuing claims for an ex-wife against her ex-husband to progress her entitlement to half of his USD 9 billion estate.

Sanctions

Belgravia Law provides comprehensive guidance to both individuals and corporations on matters related to sanctions and export control compliance, enforcement and legal challenges. Our clients include banks, regulated financial institutions, law firms and professional service providers.

We have great depth of experience in handling administrative and judicial challenges to sanctions designations and licensing decisions. With members of our team having brought the first court review of a UK designation under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA).

Belgravia Law's expertise in sanctions, combined with our experience in administrative and judicial challenges makes us perfectly placed to assist our clients in this specialised and fast developing area of law.

One of our notable strengths is our extensive experience dealing with licensing authorities where we have had success in licences being granted for our clients in the UK, US and in overseas territories such as Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the Cayman Islands.

Our expertise allows us to effectively navigate the complexities of the licensing process and provide tailored compliance advice to our clients in a timely manner. We collaborate closely with sanctions specialists worldwide, ensuring we deliver comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on a global scale.

Selected cases

Representing a leading brokerage to unfreeze securities valuing in excess of USD 1 billion belonging to our client and its customers, blocked by Euroclear.

Representing an English company in its successful judicial review of OFSI’s lack of response to a licence application that would have resulted in the bankruptcy of the client entity. One of the first cases of its kind.

Representing an international IT company to challenge its sanctions designation in a claim against the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (FCDO). The first challenge to be heard under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) in the English High Court.

Representing an automotive company to challenge closure of its bank accounts held by an English plc on the basis of unfair discrimination.

Construction Disputes

Our team has strong experience in resolving construction disputes, offering tailored legal solutions addressing the complexities and high stakes often involved in this sector. We represent clients across the construction industry, including contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and property owners, in a diverse range of contentious matters.

We recognise construction disputes can disrupt operations and escalate quickly. We therefore prioritise early intervention with our team's proactive and efficient case management, helping clients mitigate risks and explore resolution options outside of court. We are skilled in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

When litigation or arbitration is necessary, we bring formidable advocacy and in-depth technical knowledge to bear. Our firm's experience in commercial (contract and tort) disputes brings exceptional strength to our clients' cases.

Clients value our practical, results-driven approach and our ability to handle disputes with both legal expertise and commercial insight. We work closely with our clients to understand their objectives and deliver outcomes which protect their interests while maintaining critical industry relationships.

Selected cases

Advising a UK based property developer on a dispute in relation to contractual documentation arising from a USD 300 million development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Acting for the employer in a multi-million arbitration arising from the termination of the contractor and counterclaim for defective works.

Acting for a contractor in an adjudication arising out the value of the works at a dock redevelopment.

Acting as mediation advocate for homeowners in a dispute with a national building company over a defects in a new build property.

Property Disputes

Belgravia Law brings distinguished expertise to high-value property disputes, offering a proven track record of success in resolving complex matters involving land, equity and trusts. We combine in-depth legal knowledge with strategic negotiation and litigation skills to protect our clients' interests and achieve optimal outcomes.

Our team has a wealth of experience in all types of property disputes, including landlord and tenant issues, leases and commercial contracts, finance and funding, service charges, along with land and premises acquisition and disposal disputes. Our clients, both UK and international, receive a first-class service with comprehensive support, innovative solutions and a bespoke approach tailored to their dispute.

Situated in the heart of London, our firm offers unique specialty in high-value property disputes within the local market. Our cases often involve complex ownership structures, intricate contractual arrangements and significant financial stakes. Whether our clients face a dispute involving luxury residences, commercial investments or mixed-use developments, we provide technical legal knowledge with a deep understanding of the local market to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Selected cases

Advising on the redomicile of SPVs which own a significant real estate asset in Belgravia.

Advising on the letting and sale of a whole house in Belgravia owned by a complex trust structure taking into account the laws and regulations in a number of jurisdictions including New Zealand, BVI and the UK.

Engaging with a management company to dispute payment for repairs to the roof of an apartment block which they wanted our client (penthouse apartment owner) to cover, in full. Lodging a claim in the court relying on the management company agreement which clearly said the roof was demised into the building and not to our client’s apartment.

Acting for an UHNWI in the Court of Appeal defending them against two appeals in relation to the award of a £35 million house in Surrey to them by the High Court touching upon important aspects of contentious trusts law.

Advising on the contentious aspects of the sale of a detached freehold house with four property titles in a highly desirable suburb in London for in excess of £10 million.

Acting for a property owner in a claim for rectification of the Land Registry following a failure to properly register the title during the conveyancing process.

Advising clients who own two high-value apartments in a prestigious building at Knightsbridge, London, with a combined purchase value of in excess of £60 million. Following extensive flood damage caused by a leak from an apartment above, the building’s management company sought to increase insurance contributions and service charges to fund repair costs of close to £5 million. Assisted the clients in pursuing negotiations to secure compensation and protect the clients’ interests.

Corporate Practice

Belgravia Law has a rapidly growing corporate practice that offers clients not only extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and joint venture formation and operation, but also the combined expertise of our corporate and dispute resolution teams. This integrated approach ensures that corporate transactions and projects are structured with a clear understanding of potential risks, including the likelihood of disputes or conflicts between parties.

Our diverse team of lawyers brings invaluable insight from working on complex acquisition and joint venture projects across various jurisdictions, including the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and the CIS. This global experience is particularly critical when advising on cross-border investments and facilitating cooperation among multinational investors and other stakeholders.

Selected cases

Acquisition by a major European energy company of stakes in upstream petroleum project companies, including the establishment of joint venture vehicles to support large-scale operational expansion;

Formation of a joint investment vehicle by international petroleum corporations in the UAE, structured for investment in upstream oil projects in Africa;

Sale of 100% of the shares in a diamond mining company (deal value: $1.45 billion);

Acquisition of a 100% interest in an oil production company (deal value: $2.05 billion);

Initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange AIM by a company holding a portfolio of upstream oil production assets in an emerging market jurisdiction.

Artificial Intelligence Offerings

As artificial intelligence (“AI”) continues to transform industries worldwide, Belgravia Law is uniquely positioned to help clients harness AI’s potential through tailored services for both developers and users.

Belgravia Law’s team of experts offers strategic guidance and services to ensure your enterprise meets up to date legal standards while preparing for future challenges in AI governance. Our specialist AI lawyers provide comprehensive support across all facets of AI, from development to deployment, ensuring AI assurance and ongoing governance.

Our full suite of services is designed to navigate the complexities of AI compliance across multiple jurisdictions, providing legal advice and safeguarding firms against AI-related risks.

Our AI consultancy services include:

AI Governance Framework Development

Belgravia Law develops and implements tailored AI governance frameworks which align with industry standards and regulatory requirements across the UK, EU, US and beyond. We help design governance structures which support your firm’s AI strategy, objectives and operational needs, ensuring seamless integration with existing compliance frameworks.

Additionally, we develop actionable policies and guidelines to establish best practices and compliance standards. Our team is closely monitoring key AI regulatory initiatives, including the UK Parliament's Private Members’ Bill on Artificial Intelligence (Regulation), the European Union AI Act, the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) and ISO/IEC 42001, ensuring clients stay ahead of ever-evolving regulatory developments.

Documentation and Compliance: Contracts, T&Cs and Policy Guidelines

We manage AI-related documentation and ensure regulatory compliance by developing AI governance policies, risk assessment frameworks and compliance documentation, including audit trails. Our team supports the development of customised contracts, terms & conditions and internal policies, such as generative AI workplace policies, AI system procurement due diligence questionnaires and supplier codes of conduct.

EU AI Act Compliance Consulting

Our expert consulting services help clients to navigate the EU AI Act. We offer risk assessments, categorise AI applications by risk level and provide sector-specific advice, particularly for industries such as healthcare, finance and transportation. We also assist in creating actionable roadmaps for compliance with the EU AI Act, including policy development and training programs.

Generative AI Usage Support

We provide consultancy services for firms in integrating generative AI technologies while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Our services address risk management and ethical considerations, helping clients navigate the evolving landscape of generative AI.

Contract Law Support for AI

Our team helps to ensure AI-related contracts comply with legal standards and address all relevant parties. We provide bespoke agreements between developers, licensors and users, addressing complexities such as risk allocation, intellectual property and data privacy. We also help negotiate essential contractual provisions including indemnity clauses, dispute resolution mechanisms and liability frameworks, while addressing ethical, reputational and competition related risks.

Risk Management

We offer extensive support for ensuring data protection and privacy in AI deployments. Our team ensures compliance with data protection regulations, including GDPR and CCPA, conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (“DPIAs”) and help safeguard data subject rights, such as access, retention and consent.

Thought Leadership and Publications

We actively contribute to the AI publications. In addition, our newsletter features an AI section focused on key developments in AI and evolving regulatory trends. Our team regularly publishes articles, reports and case studies on the EU AI Act and its business implications, offering thought leadership and practical insights into AI governance.

Dispute Resolution

Belgravia Law assists clients to resolve disputes arising from AI technology, including issues of liability, intellectual property and compliance. Our dispute resolution team is equipped to handle the legal complexities of AI-related conflicts, ensuring efficient and effective resolution.

By combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of AI technologies, Belgravia Law helps clients leverage AI to drive business innovation while navigating complex legal and regulatory risks.

For inquiries or more information on how we can assist you, please contact ceyda@belgravia.law.

Contentious Trusts

At Belgravia Law, we provide expert legal advice and representation for settlors, trustees, beneficiaries and other interested parties of domestic and foreign trusts. Our experienced team’s strategic approach means it can and has resolved even the most complex trusts disputes.

We are often instructed in matters involving challenges to the validity of trusts, claims for breaches of trust or fiduciary duty, disputes between trustees and beneficiaries, applications to remove or replace trustees in cross-border trust disputes involving offshore structures.

We understand each trust presents its own unique challenges and we take the time to understand the personal, financial, commercial and reputational issues at stake. Our team has substantial experience handling trusts with international elements, including offshore trusts, foreign law issues, and multi-jurisdictional dimensions.

Many trust disputes can be anticipated, or even avoided, through timely legal advice. Our team frequently advises trustees and beneficiaries at an early stage, helping identify potential areas of conflict, ensure compliance with fiduciary duties and manage risk proactively. By intervening early, we help our clients preserve relationships, protect trust assets and minimise the risk of costly litigation.

Selected cases

Advising the four beneficiaries of a trust with regard to the disposal of the main trust asset, a house situated in Belgravia, London. Replacing the trustee and advising on related issues.

Advising on the discretionary trust structure of a well-known UHNWI to successfully keep it out of convoluted High Court litigation with an oil company to the value of £3 billion.

Ravendark Holdings Ltd v Rotenberg & others [2021] EWCA Civ 1661 — Acting for the Respondent in the Court of Appeal against two appeals in relation to the award of a £35 million house in Surrey to her by the High Court - touched upon important aspects of contentious trusts law.

Acting for the defendants in a claim for breaches of duty, knowing receipt, dishonest assistance, and assorted trusts claims arising out of the beneficial ownership of a property.

Advising trustees of long-established family trusts on allegations of breach of duty and potential application for removal by warring beneficiaries.

Advising the settlor of an international employee benefit trust on the terms and validity of the trust instrument.

Advising on the letting and sale of a whole house in Belgravia owned by a complex trust structure taking into account the laws and regulations in a number of jurisdictions including New Zealand, BVI and the UK.

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BELGRAVIA LAW LIMITED is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 8004056 and is a limited company registered in England & Wales with company number 14815978. The firm’s registered office is at 2 Eaton Gate, Belgravia, London SW1W 9BJ.

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